Basically, Toyotas thrive on maintenance. That's why its always good to follow the maintenance schedule. Check things.
For example:
In the rust belt we have to watch for rusting rot issues. Our 3rd member back plate can pin hole and loose gear grease. Run it low on grease or out you destroy the 3rd member.
Change your differential fluid, and your transmission fluid or gear grease if manual.
Sadly most PO do nothing but the basic maintenance.
So your antifreeze, transmission fluids and differential greases dont get checked and exchanged.
Also keep an eye on your front lower ball joints and upper ones. We have a design flaw that makes the lower joints have a higher failure rate
Most users only use OEM lower joints and change them out on a schedule. Especially if lifts and oversized tires are in use.
Along with what the other users have suggested as well..
The 3rd gens are very solid. They will last a very long time considering if they are maintained. It's one of the reasons they are very popular.
Sent from my SM-J337V using Tapatalk
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7 3rd gens listed in the build thread (2 are parts mobiles)
Build Thread:
https://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...os-builds.html
Brillo's Bucket Fluid Ex changer:
https://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...ml#post3358086
Sparks Plugs Wire and Coil Information:
https://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...on-5vz-fe.html